korea

If you can get to Kyoto in April, you should. The cherry trees bloom in mid-March and usually reach their peak in early April. But even if you miss Sakura season, you really need to see this place. The former Japanese capital is filled with ancient temples and shrines. This is also the place to go to learn how to make sushi.

Nestled between eight mountain ranges lies an Asian metropolis rivaling the population of New York, the culture of Tokyo and the backdrop of Denver. With a population greater than NYC, at over 10 million inhabitants, and divided by the Han River, Seoul sits as a beacon of economic growth and Korean pride. Just 35 miles from the North Korean border, Seoul technically straddles a still active war zone. Despite its name, the demilitarized zone (DMZ) is the world’s most heavily militarized border. Manned around the clock by American, North and South Korean soldiers, the area is a constant reminder of North and South Korea’s shaky relationship.